When you looked across the room you first saw on your right, a boy and a girl sitting next to each other. They both looked about your age. The girl had dark skin and a straight face. The boy was slim and looked very interested in the situation.
When you looked to the left side of the table you could see Anderson and Ramirez. Next to them, was another younger boy who looked like he couldnt sit still from excitement, and a girl beside him with black hair. The girl had a familiar face, but you couldn't of seen her before, you thought.
On the right side of the table there was a skinny looking boy, and he was beside a darker skinned girl. The girl looked very focused. She had a complete pokerface on, and showed no sign of emotion.
Dr.Paige directed you to the opposite end of the table from everyone else. Once you sat down you released your grip from her hand, only realizing then how tight it was.
Dr.Paige started the conversation. " Everyone, this is Mallory. She has been working in a seperate complex and has been here as long as you. We have decided to let you start working together. We think it should help all of your progress tremendously." "How come we havent seen her before? How come we dont know about this other complex?" The skinny boy yelled, and startled you. Ramirez spoke up. " Look, Aris. The complex is one single room, and that is where she stays. It is very hidden." You now knew the one boys name. Aris rolled his eyes. You thought it must be in disgust of not being told beforehand.
You felt like you werent really part of the discussion. Everyone was talking about you, but you hadn't even said a word. You noticed the girl on your left who looked familiar staring at you. It wasn't creepy but she looked confused as if she was trying to figure you out.
The room burst out with bickering and back and forth disagreement between the four teens and three employees. The teens never had anything against you and they were defending you but they were very agry with W.I.C.K.E.D's system. The adults weren't angry at anyone but the four other subjects who were dissatisfied with them. The boy beside the girl staring at you didn't do anything but ask questions; he me seemed very curious.
The noise from all the shouting started to drive you insane. It got to the point where you couldn't understand what they were saying. Once in a while you could hear them shouting you name "Mallory shouldn't have to-" and "Malorie and the reat of us aren't-". You decided to put an end to it all. "Hello! I believe I'm a big part of this, and you haven't even heard me speak yet." You heard Ramirez say something under his breath, but you didn't know what.
The room bacame silent and everyone was waiting for you to speak. "Okay. Now, shouldn't this be exciting. Even though they kept all this a secret up until now, at least it's not like that anymore." You paused waiting for someone to say something. "You had alot to say before. Did the urge to speak just suddenly disappear?" The curious boy spoke up. "Mallory is right. Come on guys," The boy looked at you. "My name is Thomas." he said with a caring tone. You smiled back. Suddenly the familiar girl with black hair said " You know what? I think the adults should leave us be for a bit." she flashed a wide grin at the two beside her.
Dr.Paige looked as if she found the situation hilarious, but you were glad to see she wasnt upset. She stood up with a smile and looked to Anderson and Ramirez. "Well?" she motioned them to the door. The three of them left after a couple of eye rolls from Ramirez first.
"My name is Teresa, and this is Thomas," the black haired girl immediately said. " Over there is Aris, and Rachel." You took a breath. "Nice to finally meet others." you said, feeling like you could finally relax.
"I was told a bit about what you guys were doing but not much. I heard about this maze thing, but I don't understand much about what it's for." You said looking for an answer. " W.I.C.K.E.D. is using munies, like us, and testing them in different situations to track or brain patterns. They are doing this to find a cure. They think the maze we are building will help them with that." Thomas explained. The whole idea was fascinating to you. You were excited to learn more.
"So, are we going to be put in the maze, or is it just the other subjects, and you guys just help?"you asked. Rachel answered. This was the first time you had heard her speak. "Good question, Mallory. Good question."
